In this series of studies we examine the importance of component features (line segments
and corners) of a distractor in producing distractor interference.We postulated that corners are non-
accidental features and therefore crucial components in the processing of distractors (Kritikos and
Pavlis 2007, Experimental Brain Research 183 159 ^ 170). We presented non-degraded or degraded
(line segments or corners removed) distractors (line drawings of tools or musical instruments)
simultaneously with a target, either at fixation or peripherally. Non-degraded as well as degraded
distractors caused higher levels of interference (increased reaction times and a greater number
of errors), particularly when presented at fixation, while non-degraded distractors caused greater
interference than degraded. Contrary to expectation, however, there was no difference in the level
of interference caused by lines-missing and corners-missing distractors, either at fixation or at
periphery. Thus, we conclude that, where response to a complex object is required, both lines
and corners are equally important components in the visual processing of distractor stimuli.